Argentina will be taking part in both the FIVB World League and the FIVB Men's World Championship later this year

Medellin, Colombia, March 26, 2010 – Argentina's preparations for the FIVB World League have picked up pace after they claimed the men's gold medal at the IX South American Games here on Thursday, beating Venezuela 3-1 (20-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-15) in their final match as Volleyball returned to the competition after a 28-year hiatus.

Venezuela started strongly, picking up the first set, but they were met with a fierce resurgence from the Argentinians who went on to win three sets unchallenged. Hosts Colombia picked up the bronze medal after a strong display against Chile, winning 3-1 (25-21, 20-25, 25-18, 25-19) in their final match.

This is the eighth edition of the South American Games and the first time Volleyball has appeared in the competition since the 1982 Games in Rosario, Argentina. Volleyball was also part of the inaugural Games in 1978 in La Paz, Bolivia.

Beach Volleyball, included in the tournament for the first time this year, is due to be contested from March 25-30 at the same time as the women’s Volleyball tournament which takes place in the city of Envigado.

Argentina are due to take part in this year's FIVB World League from June 4 to July 25 playing Cuba, Germany and Poland in Pool D before hosting the final round in Cordoba. They will also play in the FIVB Men's World Championships in Italy from September 24 to October 10, where they are grouped with USA, Venezuela and Mexico in Pool D.